Portland's Nightlife Scene Offers an Eclectic and Creative Mix

Two things Portland, Oregon is best known for are Beer and Music. So of course they are also the defining characteristics of the city's nightlife. With more craft breweries than any other city in the world, Portland offers ales and lagers of singular style and quality. The many neighborhoods of Stumptown each have their own flavor and style. This is expressed not only by the shops and restaurants, but also by the many music venues located throughout the city. From small rock and blues stages like Doug Fir Lounge and Mississippi Studios to the symphony performances of the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Portland has live performances for every taste. Popular night clubs have DJ's and dancing in Old Town and Downtown. The flavor of the Northwest and the creative spirit of Portland is evident in no matter what activity you choose. Here are our top 10 recommendations of some of the hottest night spots in town from live music to dessert bars.

Ground Kontrol is Portland's kick butt classic arcade featuring over 60 classic video games and 27 pinball machines. Not only are there loads of video games they also feature a full-service bar after 5PM. Every game has a drink holder on it. There is usually a host DJ. Whenever there isn't a dj they will have another form of entertainment like a comedy shows, trivia nights, game tournaments, or Rock Band karaoke. Ground Kontrol is available for public and private event rentals. Visit on the second Thursday or the last Wednesday of the month for unlimited game play with a $5 cover.

Ground Kontrol is Portland's kick butt classic arcade featuring over 60 classic video games and 27 pinball machines. Not only are there loads of video games they also feature a full-service bar after 5PM. Every game has a drink holder on it.... Read More

Big Al's is a massive family friendly sports bar with something for everyone. Besides being a sports bar they also have a restaurant, arcade, and bowling alley all wrapped into one.
Big Al's was built to resemble a stadium, it boasts wrap-around booth seating, exposed trusses, metal decking, concrete floors, a painted sky ceiling.
You won't miss a single play watching one of their four 50 inch HD plasmas, two 42 inch plasmas, one 69 inch wide projection screen AND a 55 inch wide HD projection screen that can be viewed as three massive wide-screens or divided into any combination of smaller viewing screens.

Big Al's is a massive family friendly sports bar with something for everyone. Besides being a sports bar they also have a restaurant, arcade, and bowling alley all wrapped into one.
Big Al's was built to resemble a stadium, it boasts... Read More

Henry's Tavern is a restaurant and bar located in the Pearl District serving more than 100 local beers. Downstairs they have a dining area and a large bar area. Upstairs large bar area with high end pool tables, that also turns into a dance club on certain nights of the week. On weekends Henry's gets packed and is a lively place to hang out. Henry's serves their full menu as well as their happy hour in the billiards room. In the bar area they also offer happy hour on food and drinks. Henry's is a great place to hang out with friends.

Henry's Tavern is a restaurant and bar located in the Pearl District serving more than 100 local beers. Downstairs they have a dining area and a large bar area. Upstairs large bar area with high end pool tables, that also turns into a dance club... Read More

Located beneath the Crystal Ballroom, a mecca for live music lovers, this pub attracts a large contingent of patrons who attend the shows upstairs. Even so, it's a terrific place to meet with friends and nurse a drink or two. The spacious venue boasts a funky decor and serves up microbrews crafted in the on-site Crystal Ballroom Brewery as well as a collection of stiff cocktails. For distraction, there are pool tables and pinball machines, but there should be enough activity and conversation that you don't need anything else to hold your attention. The pub food menu offers all your favorites and adds a nice twist with organic dishes inspired by global cultures. A great place to meet people.

Located beneath the Crystal Ballroom, a mecca for live music lovers, this pub attracts a large contingent of patrons who attend the shows upstairs. Even so, it's a terrific place to meet with friends and nurse a drink or two. The spacious venue... Read More

Holocene is a 21+ bar, dance club, and venue all rolled into one. On almost all weekend nights they offer high energy dance parties, including themed dance parties, on their two dance floors. On Saturday's it is usually Booty Bassment, a hip hop party. They always serve some type of alcoholic slushie as the drink of the day, like green tea-vodka-mint-honey or vodka, strawberry, lemonade, and black pepper. There cover charge is usually minimal around $3. As a venue they host a variety of music group. Check their website to see what upcoming bands are playing and what type of dance parties are happening.

Holocene is a 21+ bar, dance club, and venue all rolled into one. On almost all weekend nights they offer high energy dance parties, including themed dance parties, on their two dance floors. On Saturday's it is usually Booty Bassment, a hip hop... Read More

Of all the live music venues in Portland, Mississippi Studios holds a special place in the hearts of many concert goers. Considered by many to be the best place in town to see a live show, the small, intimate space has amazing, clear sound. When it's not too crowded, the main floor is great for dancing, while the balcony has seating for those who prefer it. Audiences are so close to the performers that a concert can become an interactive, shared experience. Food and drinks are available for both lunch and dinner, and patios offer outdoor seating as well as a second performance stage. Occupying a quaint, historic building in the hip North Mississippi neighborhood, this is a great place to see concerts by big names and small indy bands alike.

Of all the live music venues in Portland, Mississippi Studios holds a special place in the hearts of many concert goers. Considered by many to be the best place in town to see a live show, the small, intimate space has amazing, clear sound. ... Read More

Patisserie has become a popular late night hotspot in Northeast Portland. Known for their award winning beautiful hand crafted French desserts, bottomless coffee, and extensive champagne list. One look at their dessert case and you will quickly see why Pix is always busy. They have over 24 desserts to choose from with flavors to suit anyone's cravings. Enjoy a glass of dessert wine along with your dessert or a Batdorf and Bronson coffee drinks. They also serve teas from local Townshend's Tea. Not in the mood for dessert then you'll appreciate their recent addition of tasty tapas, including traditional Spanish tapas.

Patisserie has become a popular late night hotspot in Northeast Portland. Known for their award winning beautiful hand crafted French desserts, bottomless coffee, and extensive champagne list. One look at their dessert case and you will quickly... Read More

If you love country music, Bluegrass or Texas rock you are going to love the LandMark Saloon. Here they have everything a country bar should: a massive bar, quality libations like cold beer and signature cocktails served in mason jars, live honky tonk music, a small dance floor for two stepping and a killer outdoor area. Out back you can sit around a fire or play a round of corn hole. Their spacious patio includes a covered seating are and another bar. They even have decent bar food, if you like hotdogs.
Unlike many bars in the area Landmark Saloon is open everyday of the week and many nights there is no cover charge!

If you love country music, Bluegrass or Texas rock you are going to love the LandMark Saloon. Here they have everything a country bar should: a massive bar, quality libations like cold beer and signature cocktails served in mason jars, live... Read More

A long time favorite downtown spot for people of all ages, Kells offers Irish food and drinks with a Northwest influence. Nightly shows make this pub the best place in Portland to hear traditional Irish music. A separate cigar lounge (with separate ventilation, of course) offers a wide selection of smokes. Though Kells offers Guiness Stout and a selection of beers and wines, it really stands out with its menu of single-malt scotch and Irish whiskey. The menu offers some traditional Irish favorites along with some more typical American fare. Kells is also open for and breakfast on the weekends.

A long time favorite downtown spot for people of all ages, Kells offers Irish food and drinks with a Northwest influence. Nightly shows make this pub the best place in Portland to hear traditional Irish music. A separate cigar lounge (with... Read More

Located below the Doug Fir Restaurant, the Doug Fir Lounge is a hip live music spot that's got a dedicated following who show up to listen to the mix of regional and national musicians booked to play every night of the week. An outstanding food and cocktail menu is available, compliments of the Doug Fir Restaurant and Bar. They offer breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late night food.
Although shows have different time, generally doors open at 8pm, with shows beginning at 9pm; call or check their website for specific dates, times and shows. Doug Fir was listed as one of the Top 40 music venues in American by Paste Magazine.
Doug Fir Lounge offers free wifi and they have a killer patio.

Located below the Doug Fir Restaurant, the Doug Fir Lounge is a hip live music spot that's got a dedicated following who show up to listen to the mix of regional and national musicians booked to play every night of the week. An outstanding food... Read More

Meet Meagan Shamy

Meagan Shamy is an Oregon resident by choice and thinks Portland is a tremendous city that everyone should visit. Originally a Texas girl, she has lived all around the United States,... More About Meagan